Question
I bought a healthy gynura in a 6" pot, in less that 1 week the leave started drooping. I watered it the night I got it and then again 5 days later because it was dry. now it looks like a very sick plant, all the leaves are drooping. I haven't had one of these for about 20 years. Any way I can say it?

Answer
Linda,

I suspect it was overwatered and water was allowed to stay in the drain tray until it was absorbed. This plant likes to be lightly moist. It needs a well draining soil that will not stay constantly wet and it likes to be root bound. If it was repotted into a larger pot just before you bought it or right after that would have contributed to it's downhill spiral.

To save it unpot it and check the roots. If they hold the soil together and the root ball does not fall apart then you can place it back into the pot. If the root ball falls apart then you need to trim away any black mushy sections of root and repot the plant into a smaller pot with all healthy wiry roots and new soil. Then water it lightly and wait an hour and empty the drain tray. Keep it in a very bright location where your hand will make a shadow but not where the sun will actually shine on it.

The following is part of a care guide for this plant. If water or the roots is not the problem this may help you determine the problem:
SOIL

Gynura plants grow well in a mixture of soil, perlite and peat. The soil should retain water yet should also drain well. The roots need packed into the soil with cuttings allowed to take hold before starting a fertilizer regime.

TEMPERATURE

Keep Gynuras in moderate temperate rooms that do not drop below 50 degrees or rise above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

LIGHT

Bright sunlight is preferred by the Gynura with some direct sunlight being useful to the overall growth. Remove from any direct sunlight during the heat of the day.

WATER

The Gynura need watered regularly allowing the soil to dry between waterings and should be reduced during the winter (non-growing) months using tepid water that is non-acidic. Humidity is not a major concern in the care of these plants which can be achieved by placing the plant on a tray filled with rocks and water. The roots should not be touching the water. Most Gynura growers do not recommend wetting the leaves on the plants so misting for the purpose of creating humidity is not advisable.

FERTILIZER

Gynuras can be fertilized monthly or as needed with an all-purpose water-based fertilizer that has been diluted down from the package directions. Reduce feedings during the winter (non-growing) season.

REPOTTING

Repotting can be done in the spring which should be done only as needed. Gynuras grow well and sometimes better when "pot bound". Cuttings can be done during the spring and summer months. Cuttings from Gynuras take hold fairly easily but should be placed in a pot that has been covered with plastic wrap to help retain the moisture and humidity levels. Once the cuttings have rooted and appear to have taken hold, remove the plastic and grow as normal. Cuttings of the Gynura are also known to sprout roots in a container of water.

Trim the plant back as needed and new growth will begin again at the point of cutting. Remove the flower buds and dead foliage whenever visible. Gynura plants are fairly easy to care for and make attractive houseplants that will add vibrant color to any home decor.

Good luck.

Darlene